In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of CAPOX chemotherapy (oxaliplatin plus capecitabine) or capecitabine (Xeloda) alone on survival of elderly stage 3 colon cancer patients. Researchers suggested that both CAPOX or capecitabine alone were associated with an improved survival. Some background Chemotherapy is the standard...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of uracil-tegafur and leucovorin (UFT/LV) treatment of liver metastasis (when the cancer spread to the liver) in colorectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that UFT/LV is an effective and safe option for the treatment of liver metastasis after liver surgery. Some background The...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of laparoscopy (LPS) compared with open surgery on long-term outcomes of colorectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that LPS is not associated with better long-term outcomes. Some background Colorectal LPS (removal of the tumor by using a cable with a camera inserted near the tumor) is a...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and complications after surgery in patients with colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that NLR levels are associated with post-surgery complication rates. Some background A high number of patients with colorectal cancer suffer from...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy in rectal cancer patients with anterior resection syndrome (ARS) after rectal surgery. Researchers reported that this therapy can improve the anal function after rectal surgery. Some background ARS is a common condition after rectal surgery. Patients with this condition...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the prognostic role of extramural tumor deposits (clusters of cancer cells not attached to the main tumor) in the pelvic area in rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that tumor deposits near the pelvic lymph nodes was a useful predictor of prognosis. Some background Colorectal cancer is one of the most common...
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In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of the chemotherapy mFOLFOX6 combined with tivozanib (Tivopath) or bevacizumab (Avastin) in metastatic colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that these two treatments are equally effective. Some background Roughly 20% of colorectal cancer patients have metastasis (spread to other parts of...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the outcomes of rectal cancer patients with complete or near-complete response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT) who do not undergo surgery. Researchers reported that not undergoing surgery, in selected patients, is a safe option for treatment of rectal cancer. Some background The standard...
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Eating Together For many, being able to commune around a table–talking, laughing and eating–is a sign of health and well-being. That’s why, when someone is sick, and doesn’t eat, conflict can result. Caregivers may feel enormous anxiety, guilt and hopelessness as their loved one loses weight. Yet, caregivers need to know what is...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated whether aspirin has an effect against rectal cancer during pre-surgery chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT). Researchers reported that the use of aspirin is associated with a better outcome and survival. Some background Pre-surgery CRT has been shown to improve the rate of local recurrences (when the...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the prognostic differences between right-sided tumors (RT) and left-sided tumors (LT) in colon cancer patients. Researchers reported that RT have worse prognosis and survival than LT. Some background Tumors that are located on different sides of the colon can have different characteristics. LT and RT can have...
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In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of the chemotherapies FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (Avastin) and mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that these two treatments are equally effective. Some background Roughly 20% of colorectal cancer patients have metastasis (spread to other...
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